In a promotion interview published on November 10, AKITASHOTEN director of promotions Yūki Yokoi discussed the 35-year serialization of Keisuke Itagaki’s martial arts manga Baki in Weekly Shōnen Champion, Final Weapon reported.
Yokoi has worked on the series for 20 years. He pointed out that the manga has shaped real-world combat fighters over its run. He addressed how the franchise maintains its appeal and approaches its physical artwork.
“Personally, I think it’s less that the world changed Baki and more that Baki has had a big influence on combat sports in the world,” Yokoi told Final Weapon, adding that many fighters started training after reading the manga.
The interview arrives as the Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga heads to United States readers for the first time in the New Grappler Baki Perfect Edition. Meanwhile, all episodes of BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai stream worldwide on Netflix.
Bodybuilder References for Muscle Art
Itagaki relies on a custom reference system to draw the distinct musculature of his characters. Yokoi explained that the creator maintains a physical scrapbook filled with striking muscle group shots clipped from numerous bodybuilding magazines.
“Itagaki-sensei made his own scrapbook of especially striking shots of each muscle group, collected from countless bodybuilding magazines, and uses it as reference material,” Yokoi told Final Weapon. The creator also references medical books on human anatomy alongside these bodybuilding photos.
Production methods for the manga remain strictly analog. Yokoi said that the editorial team still works on physical manuscripts, applying and scraping screentone by hand just as they did two decades ago.
Baki and Tekken 8 share thematic ties
Discussions for a crossover between Baki and Bandai Namco’s TEKKEN fighting game franchise began around the series’ 30th anniversary five years prior. Yokoi said that both intellectual properties share a natural thematic fit centered on father-son feuds.
“Because both are stories about a father-son feud, I felt the two works were a natural fit, so I’m really happy it came true,” Yokoi told Final Weapon regarding the upcoming TEKKEN 8 collaboration covered by Anime News Network.
Yokoi also reflected on the enduring longevity of the franchise against newer, more supernatural shonen manga. He credited the core cast for carrying the series through three and a half decades.
“I think it’s the overwhelming appeal of the characters,” Yokoi told Final Weapon. When asked what guidance the series offers young men facing modern masculinity, Yokoi offered a concise summary: “Strength is beautiful.”
Where to read Baki and upcoming release dates
Where can fans read the New Grappler Baki Perfect Edition in the US?
The Most Evil Death Row Convicts Saga is published in the New Grappler Baki Perfect Edition for US readers, marking the first time this specific arc receives that format in the region.
When will Baki Hanma release in English print?
Kodansha scheduled an official print release in English for Keisuke Itagaki’s Baki Hanma manga in July 2027.
Which streaming platform carries BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai?
All episodes of BAKI-DOU: The Invincible Samurai stream worldwide exclusively on Netflix.
Worth a look